If you are missing 3 or more teeth on the upper or lower arch then having an Implant-Supported Bridge in Mexico may be a good choice for you. Implant-Supported Bridges are possible only between 2 or more Implants. An Implant cannot be used as part of a Bridge with a natural tooth.
Implants Supported Bridge allows a patient to regain an edentulous area with the least amount of Implants (Usually 2-3). We use Zirconia from Bruxir and Zirkhanzahn to give the needed strength for the Bridge. Shading and glaze techniques are applied for aesthetics, in some cases, a cap of porcelain is placed for better translucency.
Implants Supported Bridge FAQs
What is an Implant supported Bridge?
Should I have my teeth extracted at home?
How long will it take to have an implant supported bridge placed?
What is the bridge made of?
I have 6 teeth missing in a row, can I still have a supported bridge?
Will I still loose bone if I have an implant supported bridge?
Will you see a difference between my natural teeth and the bridge?
How much does a bridge cost with Implants?
What is an Implant supported Bridge?
When 3 or more teeth are missing, decayed, or teeth with a bad prognosis, broken or cracked teeth, or root treatments that have failed consecutively in a row they can be removed and replaced with an implant-supported bridge, meaning 2 implants will be placed as anchors and a set of fused crowns will be fitted closing the gap and giving you a complete smile.
Should I have my teeth extracted at home?
It is recommended to have the teeth extracted with our maxillofacial surgeon. In most cases the extraction and implant are done at the same time therefore you will be saving yourself additional costs and completing the treatment in a faster time frame.
How long will it take to have an implant supported bridge placed?
To complete this treatment 2 trips are required. The first trip is the surgical stage where our highly experienced maxillofacial surgeon will extract your teeth if needed, place a bone graft and the implant with the help of surgical guidance. Normally a 5-day stay is suggested visiting the clinic an average of 3-4 times. Your second trip, 6 months later, is known as the restorative stage and a recommended stay of 7-10 days is required depending on how many crowns your bridge consists of.
What is the bridge made of?
For the best quality and long-lasting material, we would recommend a bridge made of Zirconia. This is a non-metal material that has the strength to support the force of the human bite. With proper cleaning and upkeep, this bridge will last you a lifetime.
I have 6 teeth missing in a row, can I still have a supported bridge?
Yes, this is very possible to have an implant-supported bridge. To give you the best possible success in treatment 3 implants may be placed instead of 2. This will prevent any weak spots on your bridge making sure it is stable throughout the entire length.
Will I still loose bone if I have an implant supported bridge?
Placing implants will prevent bone loss and you will not have the fear of having that sunk-in look in the future. The bone integrates with the titanium implants to ensure the bridge is stable and fixed in place. Due to this integration, the bone remains at the desired level.
Will you see a difference between my natural teeth and the bridge?
Thank you to our CAD/CAM technology and the well-trained eye of our dental technicians with the approval and guidance of Dr. Irma Gavaldon your bridge will look as natural as your adjacent teeth. Most patients also add whitening to their treatment, leaving home with a completely new beautiful bright smile.
How much does a bridge cost with Implants?
The cost of the bridge will depend on how many teeth are missing and how many implants are required to support the bridge. For example, if 4 teeth are missing: 2 Titanium implants will be needed to support 4 zirconium crowns this will estimate an average cost of $3,900 USD. Keep in mind that we do not charge for consultation fees, X-Rays, additional materials used, lab fees, doctors’ fees, clinic fees, impressions, and modules, and your transport to and from all appointments. To provide you with a more detailed estimate please contact one of our dental coordinators by dialing the toll-free number below.
Implants Supported Bridge
before coming to Cancun Pre Ops
Stop Smoking
Stop Drinking
Make a list of all medications
Check your Refrigerator
Stop 2 weeks before until 2 weeks after surgery
Start 2 weks bofore until 2 weeks after surgery
Get proper nutrition and rest
Get all prescriptions filled
Stop Smoking
history 3 weeks before surgery
Smoking and Dental Implants don’t go together. Why did you lose your teeth/tooth in the first place? We know smoking can be difficult to quit but we insist that patients stop smoking at least 3 weeks prior to their Dental Implants. In rare cases, we might ask you to quit sooner. Smoking can interfere with healing by constricting and decreasing blood flow all over the body which may prevent the wound from healing properly. Do not resume smoking after surgery until your dental surgeon authorizes it.
Stop Drinking
history 3 weeks before surgery
We know you will be on vacation and the all-inclusive bar might be tempting. Please try and stay away from alcohol consumption for a minimum of 5 days prior to your procedure. Alcohol causes increased bleeding, increases the chances of infection, depresses immune functions, and may interfere with wound healing.
Make a list of all medications
history 3 weeks before surgery
(over-the-counter and prescribed)
Please check with your Physician about suspending any medication prior to arrival.
Our surgeon or patient counselor will instruct you about which medications you need temporarily discontinue during the weeks ahead of the placement of the implants.
Check your Refrigerator
history 3 weeks before surgery
It is important that you maintain a healthy diet. You will be on a soft mechanical diet or some form of a modified diet tailored to your surgery. It is important that you follow these instructions! It is a good idea to stock up on protein supplements like BOOST or Ensure. Various softer foods like well-cooked pasta, eggs, soup/broths, and yogurt are also good ideas. We will provide you with a list of dietary suggestions in your post-op packet as well.
Stop 2 weeks before until 2 weeks after surgery
history 2 weeks before surgery
- All products including the drugs listed on the enclosed insert.
- All anti-inflammatory drugs are used for arthritis. (Please consult your physician prior to discontinuing).
- All anti-coagulants.
- Vitamin E took internally.
- If a medication is in question, call our office nurse.
Start 2 weks bofore until 2 weeks after surgery
history 2 weeks before surgery
- Take a multivitamin tablet daily. Most multivitamins contain some form of vitamin E, however, this is acceptable to take prior to surgery. We do ask that you refrain from taking additional vitamin E.
- Take Vitamin A – 8,000-10,000 units, twice a day. This has well-documented beneficial effects on surgical healing and will also fuel your immune system.
- Take Vitamin C – 1,000 mg., twice a day. This is essential for collagen synthesis, which is part of normal wound healing. Your need for Vitamin C will increase after surgery.
- Take Pineapple enzyme (from a health food store), twice a day, this helps to relieve the swelling associated with surgery. This anti-inflammatory promotes healing.
Get proper nutrition and rest
history 1 week before until 2 weeks after surgery
- Eat healthy, regular meals.
- Eat 2 fruits and 3 green vegetables daily (per diet instructions).
- Eat a small amount of protein at each meal.
Get all prescriptions filled
history 1 week before surgery
- You may begin taking topical anti-inflammatory
- Take every 8 hours as directed and continue for 10 days.
- Continue taking Pineapple enzyme as directed every 12 hours between meals. This anti-inflammatory promotes healing. As an alternative, eat fresh pineapple.
Implants Supported Bridge
Post Op Instructions
Oral Hygiene
Bleeding
Swelling
Medication / Pain
Diet
Activity
Food suggestions for first 6 weeks
Additional Information
Oral Hygiene
Standards of good oral hygiene are critical for the success and functionality of the implants and restoration. The best way to prevent infection and ensure healing is to keep your mouth clean. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste after meals and at bedtime. A dental Waterpik is very useful to irrigate underneath the denture to flush out debris.
Bleeding
Minimal bleeding is expected after this implant procedure. The best way to stop bleeding is to place a damp piece of gauze in the mouth and gently bite for 30 minutes. Rest quietly with your head elevated. If bleeding continues, use gauze for an additional 30 minutes. Pink or blood-tinged saliva may be seen for 2-3 days following the surgery and does not indicate a problem. The suture material may last 2 to 3 weeks and should be left alone. Do not pull or cut the sutures yourself.
Swelling
Swelling is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and healing. The swelling will not become apparent until 24 hours after surgery and will not reach its peak for 2-3 days. After this time, the swelling should decrease but may persist for 7-10 days. Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Apply the ice packs to the outside of the face 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off while awake for the first 24 hours.
Medication / Pain
Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. If you do not have an allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications we recommend taking this prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. More severe pain may require narcotic pain medication. Narcotic pain medication will make you drowsy, do not drive or operate mechanical machinery while taking the prescription. You may also be prescribed an antibacterial mouth rinse which should be used twice daily in the first two weeks following implant surgery. Post-operative antibiotics should be taken as directed and always take the entire course of the prescription. All medications should not exceed the recommended dosage.
Diet
After General anesthetic or I.V. sedation, start with liquids. While numb, patients should avoid hot liquids or foods. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days, compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. We recommend high protein shakes/smoothies (Ensure, Special K, etc.) as meal replacement supplements. Patients are restricted to a SOFT CHEW diet for the first 6 weeks… if food cannot be easily cut with a fork… DO NOT eat it!
Activity
history 48 hours after surgery
For the first 48 hours, you should rest and relax with no physical activity. After 48 hours, you may resume activity as tolerated.
Food suggestions for first 6 weeks
Eat:
- Jell-O
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Ice Cream
- Scrambled Eggs
- Cream of Wheat / Oatmeal
- Soups
- Mashed Potatoes
- Fish
- Pasta
- Pancakes
- Cottage Cheese
- Applesauce
Drink:
- Water
- Juice
- Ice Chips
- Popsicles
- Smoothies / Protein Shakes
- Milkshakes
Additional Information
Add soft foods when numbness is gone / Increase diet as tolerated
- If the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as Vaseline.
- Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. The muscles get swollen and the normal act of swallowing can become painful. This will subside in 2 to 3 days.
- Stiffness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days. Do not force your mouth open. Massage the muscles and apply moist heat.
- With upper jaw implant treatment, you may develop bleeding from the nose. This is usually a temporary finding and will not persist past 2 to 3 days. Avoid blowing your nose for several days.
- An appointment with your general dentist may be needed within a few days of surgery to make any adjustments to your temporary denture.
- Your case is individual as no two mouths are alike. Discuss all questions or concerns with your oral surgeon or implant coordinator.
Implants Supported Bridge
Treatment Alternatives
Fixed Hybrid Dentures
Fixed Hybrid Dentures are an ideal solution to Implant Supported Dentures. These Dentures can be used with as few as 4 Implants, keeping in mind that the more Implants the patient has, the better stability and load distribution the denture will have.
Snap-On Dentures
With the Snap-on Dentures, a patient will have the advantage of having a Fixed Restoration that they are able to give maintenance to themselves. Meaning no need for visits to the Dentist for periodic denture cleanings. Snap-on Dentures are used with a ball and housing concept.